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DETROIT -- Over the past few days, Andrew Bailey has experienced a range of emotions.

"I went through the phases of being frustrated and pissed off and all that kind of stuff," said the Red Sox closer, who had surgery Wednesday to repair a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. "But I've just come to the realization that it is what it is, I've got to deal with it. I can't pitch with it, so I've got to get it fixed and move forward. It's just one of those freak things that stinks."

Bailey (Herald photo by Matt Stone) held a conference call with reporters, one day after the Red Sox' bullpen allowed two runs in the final two innings of a 3-2, walk-off loss in the season-opener against the Detroit Tigers. He said he will be in a soft cast for 10-14 days, then a brace, before beginning his rehab program, possibly within 2-3 weeks. Bailey stressed that a specific timetable for his return has not yet been outlined, but he expressed confidence that he will pitch this season.

"I would really hope so," Bailey said. "I know from what typical UCL thumb injuries take, I think it's safe to say that I will be back before the end of the year. In terms of how soon that will be, that kind of depends on the body, the throwing program and all that kind of stuff. Talking with the doctor, I'm fairly confident in saying I will be back before the end of the year and help this team get to the playoffs and win a World Series. That's still the goal, man. The goal doesn't change. These guys are still going to go to bat every day and do damage and dominate games. It just stinks I won't be a part of it until later in the year, but we'll get ready to rock as I can."

In Bailey's absence, Alfredo Aceves will get the first opportunity to be the closer. In the ninth inning yesterday, fellow closer candidate Mark Melancon allowed two one-out singles before Aceves hit a batter and gave up the game-winning single to Austin Jackson.

Bailey's endorsement for his replacement?

"That's not really my decision. That's the manager's decision," he said. "Bullpens always figure themselves out. Roles are always changing, usually. But there's a lot of good arms down in that pen. They'll figure themselves out. I know Aceves is the closer right now, and he's got some great stuff. Mark's got good experience. A lot of guys down there would be fine in that role. They'll hold it down until I get back and be able to help them out. I'm just focused on myself right now. Those are Bobby's decisions."